Working with the rural tourism cooperative was one of my biggest business advising project, one of the most challenging, and absolutely one of my favorites. I chronicled the whole saga when I left Nicaragua in May. I’m lucky to have … Continue reading →

Although I went to Nicaragua in March 2014 and I completed my service in May 2016, the complete journey feels a bit longer than that. Just before Labor Day 2013 I was presented with a choice. I could stay with … Continue reading →

May 22 – 28: South Florida (West Palm Beach area) May 28 – June 7: Washington DC June 7 – June 9: New Jersey June 9 – July: New York July 11 – 2018: University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business … Continue reading →

I COS’ed – Peace Corps parlance for successfully completing your two years of service. As of today I am no longer a United States Peace Corps Volunteer. I am a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (although I am still out of … Continue reading →

From the moment we enter the Peace Corps we are warned to be culturally sensitive. Defer to local norms and beliefs. Take time to get to know cultures and communities before you try to change people or customs or habits. … Continue reading →

Last Tuesday was my group’s Close of Service Presentation. We had 30 minutes in which we had to present on our service to the entire Peace Corps Nicaragua staff, plus the American Ambassador to Nicaragua. It is a bit nerve-racking … Continue reading →

My most loyal readers have surely realized that I have not posted much lately. Things are hot and dusty here in León right now. Unfortunately, El Niño is walloping Nicaragua and much of Central America. A lot of communities are … Continue reading →

My article on food processing is not the only economics-related article making its way around the Peace Corps Nicaragua. Another Volunteer recently wrote a blog post about women in micro-finance in Nicaragua. I wanted to take the opportunity of my article … Continue reading →

Every year the PC Nicaragua Small Business Development program hosts, along with the Ministry of Education, a National Entrepreneurship Congress and Competition. My three friends, Jessica, Matt, and Thomas, are spearheading the planning this year. Many Volunteers use grants to … Continue reading →